Muhammad Soroush, a prominent Tehran-based analyst and head of the “Saramad” think tank, emphasized the critical importance of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline (IP) for energy security in South Asia and regional diversification efforts. Speaking at a seminar organized by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Soroush described the IP gas pipeline as a potential game changer for the region. He noted that while Iran has completed its section of the pipeline, financial constraints have hindered Pakistan’s progress, which could ultimately position Iran as a vital player in the South Asian energy landscape.
Perspectives on Geopolitics and Energy Cooperation
Naade Ali, a researcher at the Middle East Institute in Washington, provided insights into the U.S. perspective on energy cooperation between Pakistan and Iran. He suggested that such cooperation could be perceived as a precursor to a strategic partnership, urging Pakistan to disentangle geoeconomics from geopolitics. He referenced U.S. sanctions relief to India, highlighting India’s assurances to maintain a check on Iranian activities through its presence at Chabahar port.
Challenges in Pakistan’s Energy Sector
Dr. Khalid Waleed, an energy expert at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, critiqued Pakistan’s non-productive energy sector. He argued for an energy policy prioritizing industrial growth and pointed out that energy shipping lanes are vulnerable to geopolitical conflicts, making pipelines a more viable option. He proposed that China’s coal-fired power projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could be transitioned into a gas energy project involving Iran and Pakistan.
Call for Collaborative Research and Counter Strategies
Dr. Somaye Morovati, Director of the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies in Tehran, highlighted the necessity of enhanced cooperation between think tanks in Iran and Pakistan. She noted that researchers from both countries often possess only rudimentary knowledge of each other’s governance systems. Dr. Morovati advocated for collaboration in energy and economic corridors as a means to counter the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to contain China but also affects both Pakistan and Iran.
